The online gambling landscape is shifting, and at the helm are digital natives. Find out how Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping gambling. They are driving changes in crypto betting platforms and gaming experiences.
The gambling industry is undergoing big changes. This transformation is reshaping how gambling looks and feels. Young millennials and Gen Z are leading this shift.
Growing up online, they are used to video games and a digital-first approach. They move money fast and know crypto well. They spend more time on Discord, Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming. This is more than they spend on traditional sportsbooks. This shift also influences how they engage with sports betting, including platforms that offer EPL Predictions at 22Bet.
Let’s look at how “digital degens” reshape online gambling and pave the way for 2025 and beyond.
Crypto Is Taking Over the Gambling Scene
More and more young people are starting to know about crypto gambling sites. Why? They meet the needs of digital natives. These users want faster payouts, a better experience, and access from anywhere worldwide. Traditional options don’t offer this.
Data reveals that 57% of crypto users belong to the Millennial and Gen Z age groups. These platforms account for more than 25% of the global betting market. Crypto users spend nearly twice as much as fiat users. That’s not surprising when you consider how these platforms go beyond payments. They mix gamification, special casino games, and great loyalty programs. This strategy appeals to tech-savvy users.
A report from Eilers & Krejcik, a gambling research firm, explains this trend further:
Younger Gen Z players are growing up in a gambling 3.0 world. They often see a mix of streaming sites, video games, mobile games, and crypto gambling sites. This crossover is becoming more common.
The report highlights that many in this generation may turn to these sites for gambling. It mentions that “these sites are likely to be the introduction to online gambling as opposed to the regulated sector for some of this generation.”
Crypto is not a means of payment; it’s a way of life for digital natives. Expect crypto casinos to grow even more as this generation takes over the market.
Gaming Culture Takes Centre Stage
For digital natives, gaming is not an amusement; it’s an identity. This generation loves video games. They grew up with consoles, PC games, and mobile apps. So, gaming is how they like to relax. Unsurprisingly, this love for gaming is influencing their approach to gambling.
Traditional sports betting isn’t catching on with younger punters. Three out of four Gen Zers say they aren’t interested in watching sports. They focus on gaming platforms like Twitch, Kick, and YouTube. Here, streamers and gaming fans interact. They create content that feels personal and relatable.
This trend matters a lot for gambling operators. Brands that only rely on sports sponsorships and regular ads are missing the point. Gambling companies need to fit into the gaming culture. They can team up with streamers to design game-like betting experiences. It’s key to build products that resemble video games rather than traditional casinos.
Digital Natives Live Online
It’s hard to overstate the reality of how much time digital natives spend online. Generation Z users spend an average of 11 hours on screens each day. Millennials follow closely for about 7 hours daily. That’s a lot of screen time!
The consequence of such always-online behavior is the continued loss of efficacy of more traditional advertising methods, like TV commercials. Today, linear TV reaches less than 10% of Gen Z, while more than 90% stream video content on YouTube, Twitch, etc.
For gambling brands, this means abandoning the marketing playbook altogether. Successful operators are pivoting to tailored and creator-driven content, social media campaigns, and interactive experiences that capture users where they are. Discord, Reddit, and Twitch play key roles in connecting with this audience.
The Rise of Telegram in Gambling
Telegram is a popular platform that draws interest in the crypto and gambling worlds. Telegram has almost a billion monthly active users, over half under 34. It’s becoming the go-to channel to connect with digital natives.
The app’s charm goes far beyond messaging. It has built-in crypto features. Users can deposit, play, and withdraw directly on the platform. It also uses chatbots for many helpful functions. Because of this, it is a natural match for crypto gamblers.
In a recent interview, Robby Yung, CEO of Animoca Brands, explained:
“Anyone with a Web3 app must have a Telegram strategy for user onboarding. It’s essential for distribution, advertising, and marketing.”
Telegram rewards users for interacting with brands on social media, referring friends, and doing activities in the app. This system encourages users to keep coming back. For gambling operators, it’s an invaluable tool for onboarding and retention.
What’s Next for Online Gambling?
Digital natives are pushing the gambling industry to change. The shifts we see today are the start. Here’s what to expect moving forward:
- A Crypto-Dominated Market. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly using crypto. This shift means these platforms may soon be the top pick for online gamblers.
- Gaming-First Experiences. This noisy market will notice gambling brands with gaming elements, such as leaderboards, challenges, and achievements.
- Emerging Platforms. Telegram, Discord, and Kick will attract and engage users.
The message to operators is clear: evolve or risk becoming irrelevant. Digital natives want fast, frictionless, and culturally relevant experiences. Brands embracing these values will thrive, while those not will be left behind.
Final Thoughts
The game has changed, and the online casino industry is racing to keep up with the digital natives. Millennials and Gen Z enjoy crypto, gaming, and digital solutions. This creates a new generation of betting. It’s faster, smarter, more interactive, and more immersive than before.
To operators, this is not an opportunity but a challenge. The audience is pushing brands to change their strategies. They want brands to embrace new technologies and meet users where they are. Innovation is now a must. From blockchain betting to AI gaming, it drives the industry forward. Social interaction plays a vital role. Live streaming and community platforms are now at the heart of modern gambling. Digital natives are changing the game. The industry needs to evolve, or it will be left behind. The future of gambling is digital degens, and it’s going to be a wild ride. Are you ready to join them?